Give flyers a seat at the YYC table

I was most interested in Deborah Yedlin’s column on the mess at Calgary airport’s international terminal and would like to suggest a solution.

There is no accountability for the board of directors to those who use the terminal. Currently, the chamber of commerce appoints 10 of the 17 directors and their control is evident everywhere.

When you are proceeding to the overseas gates, you have to go through the stores. Transfer six of those board positions to frequent-flyer voters from WestJet and AirCanada, and then we would have some transparency and accountability for those who use the airport for travel and pay for all the expensive infrastructure — some needed and some useless.

The first principle should be the safety, speed and efficiency of services to the passengers, not their commercial exploitation.

Bob Page, Calgary

Top-flight customer service

Amidst the grumbling about YYC, especially in regards to the expanded terminal, I would like to offer an upbeat story of terrific customer service.

Just before Christmas, I flew out of the new terminal on my way to Boston. Some days after returning, I noticed a puzzling absence of my skull shaver. After much sleuthing, I recalled that I had likely left it behind when rearranging items in my carry-on while waiting to board my flight.

A quick perusal of the YYC website indicated I could e-mail an inquiry to their lost and found. I did so and within the hour, I had a cheerful phone call from YYC personnel telling me that they had the shaver safely labelled and tucked away for me to retrieve at my leisure.

As for those who grumble about the new terminal, take a deep breath and remind yourselves that while, yes, there are improvements to be made, which is normal for any new enterprise, how incredibly privileged we are to be able to access such a facility.

Jim Campbell, Calgary

The wisdom of presidents

Re: “As government gets bigger, it doesn’t necessarily get any better,” Chris Nelson, Opinion, March 2.

Chris Nelson quotes the third U.S. president, Thomas Jefferson.

I’m reminded of a quote by the 40th U.S president, Ronald Reagan: “Government is not the solution to the problem. Government is the problem.”

Jeffrey Anderson, Calgary

I’m paying for NDP’s ‘free’ lightbulbs

Environment Minister Shannon Phillips should be embarrassed over this announcement. Seventy jobs and free lightbulbs for $21.5 million?

Are these jobs even in Alberta? Do not say, “All of the home upgrades are at no charge to me and will reduce my electricity bill,” when the carbon tax added $150 to my electricity bill this month.

I can buy a lot of lightbulbs for $150 a month.

What about something really effective, such as the energy efficient windows I’d like to buy, but can’t afford now with the increased carbon tax household costs.

S.L. Sherren, Calgary

Flood of refugees is a worry

Re: “Let’s hope PM is ready for refugees,” Letter, Feb. 25.

These refugee claimants should be stopped at the border and sent back to the U.S.A.

Once you start turning them back, the flow would stop immediately. They got to the U.S. by having money and have been turned down as a refugee, so their claim should be refused by Canada.

These migrants are not following the rules, but you can’t fault them for exploiting Canada’s system. The problem with Canada is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau won’t change anything, which could lead to hundreds of thousands of refugee claims.

It will take Canada years to deport these migrants, which means free housing, education, health care and food at a cost of billions of dollars to taxpayers.

Canada was built by immigrants who paid their own way to enter and stay in this country, not by refugees living off social assistance.

Therefore, stop the flow before Canada ends up like Germany.

Brock Blakely, Calgary

Workers are doing a fantastic job

The workers on the new interchange at Sarcee Trail and the Trans-Canada Highway are doing an amazing job.

This Week's Flyers

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Connect With Us

Submit A Letter

Make sure to include your full name, phone number and address. Only your name will appear in the newspaper or on our website.